Mary Odessa (Dessa) Leverett Kirksey, 94, Preston, GA, died on November 2, 2011, at VistaCare Center at Franciscan Woods in Columbus, GA.

Reverend Wallace Willis and Reverend Raymond Smith were in charge of "Dessa's" Memorial Service at the Baldwin Funeral Home Chapel in Richland, GA on Saturday, November 5, 2011, at 11:00 AM.

Mrs. Kirksey was born in Webster County on March 5, 1917, to the late W. Emmett Leverett and Emily Davis Leverett.  She was preceded in death by her husband, Hoke Smith Kirksey and a son, Jerry Wayne Kirksey.

Odessa was retired from Roosevelt Warm Springs Institute for Rehabilitation as a Dorm Advisor.  Mrs. Kirksey was a member of the Macedonia Baptist Church.

Mrs. Kirksey is survived by a daughter, Myrna K. (Raymond) Goodwin of Weston, GA; a daughter-in-law, Ann Kirksey of Preston, GA.  She had four grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren; two brothers, Willie E. Leverett (Viola) of Parrott, GA and Grady M. (Betty) Leverett, Jr. of Parrott, GA; and one brother-in-law, Harmon (Cookie) Kirksey of Albany, GA.

Memorials can be made to: Macedonia Baptist Church, 5716 Macedonia Church Rd, Preston, GA 31824 or VistaCare Center at Franciscan Woods, 2425 Williams Rd, 2nd Floor, Columbus, GA 31909.

Baldwin Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.